SUV Tent Traveler

ABSTRACT

An elevated floor camper tent for SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) type vehicles having electric, hybrid or other energy-saving, lower horsepower engines and top hinged rear doors. The entire tent assembly fits inside the vehicle for aerodynamic maximization and the state-of-the-art materials minimize the total weight. A set of continuous slides provides support and, with integrated footpads, facilitates setup on hard or soft surfaces. The campers sleep within the relative safety of the vehicle and utilize the main part of the tent as a living area. The standard features, under actual test conditions, suggest the design as safe, effective and user-friendly plus the stable, framed living area having built in rail-type support braces and kick panels help prevent the users from accidents.

CROSS-REFERENCING TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Google and other search engines yielded little in this particular invention having been patented so far. A meeting at the Wendt Commons Library, a Patent and Trademark Depository Library (PTDL), Madison, Wis., was most helpful in narrowing down the search criteria. Most patents applied to towed campers, rooftop campers and pickup truck mounted campers or enhancements thereof. The closest comparison found was US 2009/0179455, Jul. 16, 2009, although actual tests of our prototype suggests that said comparison unit would be, at best, much less stable or perhaps not work at all as drawn. The drawing of 0179455 does not resemble the lawyer's standard all-inclusive Claims of “at least one” of this and of that. In our invention, the campers sleep in the cargo area for optimum protection and use the main tent for dining, sitting or standing, toilet facility, or in this particular context, general living area. Our perceived market would specifically be the energy-efficient, SUV-type vehicle, not a vehicle (Re: 0179455) comprised of “a body, an engine, and at least one wheel.” A hybrid vehicle, for example, has two power modes to propel the vehicle and in our invention the sleeping area is inside the vehicle. The related cross-references are as follows:

0,179,455 Jul. 16, 2009 Ogden 0,276,964 Apr. 28, 2010 Nelson D299817 Feb. 14, 1989 Wolcott 1,571,426 Feb. 02, 1926 Mitchell 3,056,415 October 1962 Nimmo 3,410,598 Nov. 12, 1968 Davis 4,294,486 Oct. 13, 1981 Espejo 5,066,065 Nov. 19, 1991 Baughman 5,226,689 Jul. 13, 1993 Roe 6,976,720 Dec. 20, 2005 Bequette 7,093,888 Aug. 22, 2006 Anderson

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

“Not Applicable”

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

“Not Applicable”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The “SUV Tent Traveler” (name used for identification purposes only) is a concept of a tent, tent frame, elevated camper floor contained entirely within the vehicles' storage area and mounted on continuous slides. The vehicles' original aerodynamic design is not disturbed and the total weight of the unit is well under 150 lbs. The footprint is small and the unit can be setup on most surfaces, whether soft like sand or hard like concrete. The campers sleep in the extended storage area with hard sides all around them during inclement weather and the rest of the unit is high enough to stand up in or sit with table and chairs in an insect-free environment. Security is another factor as the compacted unit is inside the vehicle and, when setup, cannot be wheeled off if the camper chooses to use the vehicle separately, leaving the set up camper/tent on site.

Earth-friendly vehicles are limited for camping although we purchased a Ford Escape Hybrid knowing the towing capacity was only 1,000 lbs. (passengers and cargo included). What we didn't know was that already optimistic rating was based on a flat surface at lower altitudes and campers under 1,000 lbs. were barely available, those being very expensive. Alternatives involved roof top units with a MPG robbing aerodynamic drag; mini trailers with the inherent problems of pulling another object; and tents, set directly on the ground with a boot to connect to a vehicle. We found the vehicle rear area too short to comfortably sleep in so, in effect, that alternative (attached ground tent) was really just camping out. Earth-friendly vehicles include hybrid, electric, enhanced, dual or multiple mode-powered vehicles, or generally any vehicle with lower rated horsepower for higher MPG, designed by the manufacture to save energy through aerodynamic design with top hinged rear doors.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We designed and built a prototype of the solution: the “SUV Tent Traveler.” The entire assembly fits in to a “box” configuration in the rear of our SUV; the dimensions of the box in our vehicle as an example are 40″ wide, 56″ long and 9″ high. Our camping equipment/cargo remains in the vehicle until the tent is fully setup, then can be moved to the “living area” to clear the rear vehicle for two 20″ wide sleeping mats. Because the unit is compacted inside the vehicle, there is no wind drag beyond the vehicles' original design; no separate wheeled trailer to tow in heavy traffic and the vehicle has a lower center of gravity between the wheels for better weight displacement.

In the near future, more hybrid vehicles on the roads and more miles per gallon have been requested by the Federal Government, earlier projections suggesting potentially one million plug-in hybrid and electric cars by 2015 and mileage standards of 54.5 mpg by 2025. This concept/invention could help facilitate that goal by making the present and future vehicles more versatile and camping-friendly like it did for us. Our motivation was need, not greed, and our particular invention could enhance hybrid usage, which was under, until now, inadequate performance capabilities for most camper/trailer utilization. We built and tested a prototype under actual inclement camping conditions with favorable results in heavy rain and windy conditions so if this patent is accepted, production for other hybrid owners could very well enhance popularity of hybrids for more potential users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The “SUV Tent Traveler” is composed of four sub-assemblies as shown in the following drawings, based on the prototype although shapes and dimensions are adaptable to many makes and models of vehicles. The complete setup unit is depicted in side and rear views (FIGS. 1, 2) and a top view of deck (FIG. 3). The subassemblies are the adapting pad (FIG. 4), the main deck assembly (FIGS. 5, 6), the tent framework (FIG. 7), view of rear foot pad (FIG. 8):

FIG. 1—Side view of invention.

FIG. 2—Rear view of invention.

FIG. 3—Top view of assembled deck area.

FIG. 4—View of adapting Pad.

FIG. 5—Side view of Main Deck Assembly.

FIG. 6—Rear view of Main Deck Assembly.

FIG. 7—Side and rear views of the Tent Frame.

FIG. 8—View of Rear Foot Pad.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The “SUV Tent Traveler” is a concept of the tent, camper floor and frame contained entirely within the vehicles' (an energy-effective SUV-type vehicle) storage area. The vehicles' original aerodynamics, designed to reduce air resistance, are not negatively impacted by the addition of a towed or rooftop contrivance. Additionally, the minimized weight of the unit assures adaptability to any hatchback or top-hinged rear access door. The weight displacement provides a lower center of gravity while stored and driving. The inspiration for the concept was the inability of hybrid vehicles to tow conventional campers and the low cargo weight capacity. The concept may prove to fill a niche of non-hybrid vehicles with similar design, particularly for those users not needing the usual rear passenger seats for traveling. Besides saving energy, the footprint is small and can be setup on softer or harder surfaces then a conventional ground type tent as stakes are not needed. Safety features include sleeping in the original storage area with four hard sides surrounding the camper (floor, sides and ceiling) and the rest of the area being elevated well above the ground. Other designed safety features include an enhanced-width base for stability, locking legs in vertical position, an interior kick-panel on deck floor and a bar/railing in the tent area where the camper persons can stand.

Extensive research of prior art contains many inventions to join a vehicle with a camping tent, dating back to the invention of the automobile. The “SUV Tent Traveler” is the fruition of making said combination a reality without the use of a towed trailer, rooftop mounted unit or a separate camping tent setup on the ground and attached to the vehicle via a boot. At the time of this writing, the “SUV Tent Traveler” is unique and could introduce an entirely new way to camp with energy-efficient electric and hybrid vehicles as well as other non-hybrid, similarly designed vehicles.

The first component is a base/pad made of thinner material than the “box” as described in the following paragraph. The outside dimensions and configurations mimic the storage area in the particular make, model or year of the vehicle after the rear seats are in the folded-down position. Original vehicle manufacturers may have varied design features to assist the pad's secured position from sliding in any direction in addition to the shape. Some of the varied configurations can be combined to form a universal configuration to accommodate more than one style of vehicle. Two bolts/studs are protruding up from the front of the pad adequate to secure the leading slides, therefore the only attachment necessary for the “main floor assembly” as described in paragraph 0011.

The “SUV Tent Traveler” consists of a flat surface with folding legs on each of the four corners, hereafter referred to as the “box.” The box is suspended over the rest of the compacted unit by said legs until the floor/deck, framing and tent are assembled and ready for use. Cargo can be stored on the box surface without impeding setup of the rest of the components. After setup, all four legs can be collapsed to bring the box surface to the same level as the camper/tent level or the two legs nearest the camper/tent can be collapsed while the front remain in the storage mode. This action results in the normal sleeping area having an elevated upper body to those people preferring such a position. A transition surface (flat panel with securing devices) between the vehicle and the camper/tent to match the height of the vehicle to the height of the camper tent completes the consistent elevation of all of the unit's sleeping/living area. This transition surface may be hinged to the box surface to facilitate location and linear integrity although will be attached in some manner. The shape of the sides may not be straight as interior relieved perimeter side cuts may be needed to accommodate the vehicles' particular shapes (wheel wells, access ports, structural, etc.).

The main floor assembly consists of a flat surface slightly narrower then the box surface to allow it to fit between the box legs, although the length is roughly the same. The main floor assembly has slides that are attached to a base/pad as described in paragraph 0009. This assembly has two legs folded on the end closest to the rear of the vehicle for support and four legs, two of those four for support and two for additional support and integrated steps furthest from the vehicle. All six legs and steps are sandwiched or alternated with the continuous slides that run from the rear of the front seats to the rear of the camper/tent to provide the thinnest, narrowest package plausible. The materials used could include aluminum extrusions, fabricated aluminum or other lightweight, high-strength composite materials. Two foldout hinged extensions of the main floor assembly increase the width from the vehicles' regular storage area and is hereafter referred to as the “living area” versus the lower height inside the vehicle and in the transition area, hereafter referred to as the “sleeping area.” Attached horizontal supports from the front to rear legs to increase rigidity. The compacted assembly has adequate top clearance as to not interfere with the box as described in paragraph 0010.

The tent frame is constructed of tubing hinged to the extended width floor when the extensions are open. The corners nearest the vehicle of the vertical frame posts are connected via a center-hinged at the peak folding connector with a round hole to accommodate a tube on which the rolled-up tent is secured. The corners furthest from the vehicle are the reverse of the previous sentence. A ratchet arrangement on the peak allows for a tool to help roll up the tent material for compacted storage as an option. Two more horizontal support tubes run from the front to the rear vertical frame tubes. The rolled-up tent facilitates the material to be in proper placement to be draped over the rest of the connected frame with the rear door over the integrated steps, the side windows on the right and left, and the opening in the front to be attached to the boot. On the externally framed version, the tent is attached by loops between the tubing and the folding peak (oblique) is connected to the hinged vertical tubing before erection and is referred to as a “pop up” feature.

The boot is the part of the tent that joins the living area with the vehicle sleeping area via the transition area. A lightweight post or taut cord runs from the peak of the tent to a point just short of the end of the boot (or to the front of the roof rack) to improve watershed. While the tent assembly may somewhat be standardized for production and inventory purposes, the boot size and configuration must be matched to the particular vehicles' make, model or year. So, depending on circumstances, the boot and tent may be two separate pieces, joined by a zipper, Velcro or other continuous attachment product. As with the aforementioned base/pad, some universal shapes and sizes are possible to fit similar sized and shaped vehicles. A unique feature are canopied screens over the rear opening passenger windows for enhanced sleeping area air circulation with magnetic edges or suction cups to keep-out insects. The magnetic strips are segmented along the boot's top, front and sides for conformability to the vehicles' shape and design. A stretchable cord material may be utilized to maximize a snug fit of the lower tent material to the vehicle.

The tent material over the main floor assembly is light, durable, waterproof and tear resistant. It is sewn together in a fashion to double material thickness in potential wear points with appropriate sealant applied to the seams as necessary. A zippered or Velcro type ingress/egress at the rear (furthest from the vehicle) of the tent also has a mesh material with zippers or Velcro to allow air circulation while keeping out insects. Canopied windows on either side of the tent also aid in air circulation. All canopies have grommets and a rigid support at their ends to maintain straightness integrity. Posts are utilized to keep the canopies up and out or ties sewn into the outside corners are used to keep the canopies secure to the tent in the spirit of “hurricane shutter” type additional protection. Another option would feature the living area as a screen house with appropriate zippered and/or Velcro sides and rear. A rain fly could also be utilized.

Setting up the tent/camper is as follows:

-   -   a.) Open top-hinged rear door after parking in the designated,         flat area.     -   b.) Pull out main assembly until the rear legs drop down,         secure, then pull out further to the end of the slides and the         set of legs closest to the vehicle drop down, then secure the         centers of the support between the front and rear legs.     -   c.) Open the hinged side floor panels and the foot pad supports         attached to the rear legs, adjusting for height if necessary.     -   d.) Install transition floor panel and secure.     -   e.) Raise the hinged tent supports integrated in the four (4)         corners of the main tent area against the floor kick panels         while the integrated safety railings on the left and right rise         with the supports. Secure centers.     -   f.) Open the compacted pitched ends so the attached brace is         solid, then mount on the front and rear superstructure supports         already up.     -   g.) Insert the right and left horizontal tubes, then place the         horizontal tube with the tent and boot rolled-up with the         ratchet end towards the vehicle.     -   h.) Pull down the tent to the bottom of the main tent assembly         and pull the boot over the vehicle, attaching the Velcro strips         the roof rack cross bar if available and/or secure with sewn-in         magnets. Secure the stretch cords sewn-in to the bottom of the         main tent and the transition area.     -   i.) With the pop up feature, directives e.), f.), g.), h.) are         not necessary as the tent is suspended via loops to a hinged         externally mounted frame and the peak assembly is also attached         to the tent, requiring opening the peak assembly to its oblique         configuration and connecting it to the vertical (at this point         in its compacted horizontal attitude).

Reverse the sequence to compact the tent/camper. It is possible to leave the tent set up while using the vehicle separately by disconnecting the two (2) nuts that hold the front of the slides to the base/pad and pushing the slides in to the standing main assembly. To reattach, simply pull out the slides as a reference point when backing-up the vehicle to reconnect the slides, then reinstall transition floor panel.

A variation of the same concept has the frame on the outside of the tent suspending the tent material to facilitate a popup setup. The continuous slides with the only the integrated steps at a fifteen-degree angle are pulled out to their stops, providing a support for the main assembly to then pulled out for set up. This reduces the weight of the individual component assemblies accordingly. Most of the components are similar to the “Detailed Description . . . ” as stated although the bottom of the main tent is affixed to the top of the main assembly floor/deck and is revealed when the two (2) lateral width extensions are opened. In this version, the compacted pitched ends (0015 f.) are connected to the tent roof with loops that remain on while the tent/camper is in the compacted storage or travel mode, thus facilitating setup and compaction. The framework dimensions are increased laterally to accommodate the loops on the tent that now fits inside the vertical, horizontal and oblique (pitched) tubing. The rest of the substructure below the floor/deck remains basically the same as depicted in the drawings submitted. Another variation is a mechanism wherein the legs with the steps are hinged separate from the outside legs so the steps can be lowered first to bear the assembly weight while the rest of the substructure is set up. 

1. (canceled)
 2. A collapsible and completely integrated design camper-tent apparatus for use with a cargo area of a top-hinged rear door vehicle, the apparatus having a compacted and erected state, the apparatus comprising: a.) an adapting pad received in the cargo area and lying on the floor thereof, b). a pair of continuous flat plane slides attached to the leading edge of the adapting pad via bolts, said slides contained in and capable of fully extending out from the cargo area, c.) a plurality of floor panels including a cargo floor panel, a transition floor panel and a main floor panel with hinged extending floor panels thereon mounted, and d.) the cargo floor panel having four corners, each corner having a vertical leg that is foldable to allow the cargo panel to overlay the transition floor panel, the compacted integrated tent and attached superstructure and substructure including the tent supports, braces, peaks, floor panels, adapting pad, safety railings, adjustable legs, channel foot-pads, step-ladder, and the continuous flat plane slides and to move between a compacted and erected state, wherein, e.) the main floor panel is connected to the forward end of the adapting pad and the rear end of the main floor panel via continuous flat plane slides enabling the said floor panels to move from a compacted state wherein the extending floor panels, are folded and the said floor panels are stacked on top of the adapting pad to the erected state wherein the main floor is extended on the slides outwardly of the cargo area, the cargo floor panel is lowered and the transition panel, is overlaid on the slides between the main and cargo floor panels to form a coplanar floor of the apparatus, f.) the continuous flat plane slides including a plurality of section wherein each section of the slides, when extended, overlap an adjacent section by at least one half of the length of each section.
 3. The camper-tent apparatus of claim 2, wherein the vertical cargo floor panel legs are: a.) of sufficient length to hold the cargo floor panel above the compacted integrated tent and attached superstructure and substructure including the tent supports, braces, peaks, floor panels, adapting pad, safety railings, adjustable legs, channel foot-pads, step-ladder and the continuous flat plane slides without contact interference with the bottom of cargo floor panel when extending to the erected state, b.) connected to the perpendicular cargo floor panel by a bolt hole in the leg with sufficient clearance to enable a free pivoting action of said leg(s) and the bolt affixed to the perpendicular cargo floor panel, c.) locked in the vertical position by use of a quick release spring loaded pin which fits into a hole on an attached to the cargo floor panel extrusion with a clearance hole located at the same plane as the said pin, d.) when said pin is pulled out of the clearance hole, the leg(s) pivots towards the center of the cargo floor panel, allowing the cargo floor panel to drop to the top surface of the continuous flat plane slides, or e.) the forward legs can be left locked in the vertical position and the rear legs can be unlocked via said pin and allowed to drop to the top surface of the continuous flat plane slides, thus creating a raised head sleeping area for those people desiring such a feature.
 4. The camper-tent apparatus of claim 2, wherein the channel foot-pads are: a.) located at the bottom terminus of the perpendicular support legs and parallel to the ground on which they rest, effecting b.) an enhanced square inch area over just a plain end of a support leg, square inch area, computed by c.) the widest feature of the channel times the length between the inside and outside support legs, thus d.) providing more resistance to sinking into the ground and disturbing the planar integrity of the setup apparatus and increasing the variety of surfaces suitable to setup said apparatus. 